Gym Etiquette

James Fell: Are You Doing The Gym All Wrong?

2. To the above point, change your workout clothes regularly. People notice when you wear the same shirt to the gym every day, and it makes them dislike you.

3. Clean up after yourself. The towels and sprayers are there for a reason. Unless I’m married to you, I don’t want to be swimming in your goo.

4. Share. If someone asks to work on a piece of weightlifting equipment, then let them. On that note, don't hog aerobic equipment either. If you can last two hours on a treadmill, then maybe you should just be running outside.

5. A little grunting is OK, but it shouldn't sound like you’re the Octomom in the delivery room.

6. Return it from where you got it. Really, when you’re in a crowded gym and you abandon one of the limited bench presses or squat racks with plates still on the bar, no one knows if someone is still using it. This is what we in the fitness business call a “dick move.” If I catch you doing this at my gym, I will personally tell every woman present that I witnessed you not wash your hands after using the bathroom.

7. You leave, you lose. If you’re super-setting during a busy time, then expect that you may end up losing one of your alternate pieces of equipment when not using it. Don’t pout or make a fuss. Be a man: Adapt and overcome.

8. Spot those who ask and consider asking a certified trainer about proper spotting technique if you are unsure of what to do.

9. Be good to the equipment. Don't drop weights or let plates slam down. It's annoying, and you might break it. Olympic lifters get a buy on this.

10. Don't give unsolicited advice. Just mind your own business and let the dumbass hurt himself.

11. Check your ego at the door. Don't strut around like you've got an impacted colon, and don't try to lift more than you can handle. If I see your neck getting crushed from doing too much on the bench press, I’m just as likely to point and laugh as help you.

13. Don't be too chatty. A little conversation is OK, but remember that we're all there to exercise rather than socialize. Also, don't initiate conversations with people wearing headphones. They don't want to talk to you.

14. Don't ogle the women. They don't like that, and you don't want to get a reputation as Creepy Staring Guy. If you must, take a quick glance using the mirrors, then get back to work. Drooling is bad too.

15. If you happen to be a woman reading this article, feel free to check us guys out. We do like that. As least I like it. Hey! Look at my biceps.

16. No PDA! Seriously, get a room.

17. Dress appropriately. Just because you've got it doesn't mean you should flaunt it.

18. By the way, wearing your baseball cap backwards is scientifically proven to lower your bench press by 10% and your IQ by at least double that.I like the gym. I love it. It's my home away from home. I think the real secret to getting and staying in good shape is simply to love the exercise you engage in, and if your fellow gym patrons are courteous, then it makes loving the place a lot easier.This will be on the test, so study hard.